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FROM OUR SPONSOR'S COLLECTION


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ON THE INSIDE WITH MARILYN KIRSCHNER

 

Children's Club: The Establishment for Spring 2007

 

As I previously noted, the Children's Club (August 6-8) not only provides the opportunity to discover new companies, but gives me a chance to get re-acquainted with those well established lines (some of which are almost 100 years old) I have previously worked with. Below are a sampling of some of the latter that caught my eye for Spring 2007.

 

 

LITTLE RAGGIO

High quality accessories, baby accessories, shoes, giftwear

Size: Babies through adults

Designer: Ana Colagrossi

Wholesale: $22-$44

Standouts: Animal printed pony hair ballet slippers and 'driving' moccasins

FYI: Ana studied design in Switzerland and always loved shoes...she offers many styles in 'Mommy & Me' versions and sells to Scoop Kids, Barneys New York, and fine specialty boutiques; only the finest quality fabrics are used and everything is made in South America.

Tel: 203-625-9689

E-Mail: contact@littleraggio.com

www.littleraggio.com

 

 

VFK - VERY FINE KIDS

Eye catching hair accessories, knitwear, booties, gift sets, children's shoes with a decidedly European flair

Designer: Ana Cunha

Size: Infant, toddler

Wholesale: $4-$14

Standouts: The highly detailed and colorful, Chinese designed, French made espadrilles which are whimsical, playful and sweet.

FYI: Their design philosophy is that "it has to create an impact" and their motto is "Only the finest for your little ones."

Tel: 281-292-2194

E-Mail: acunha1br@yahoo.fr; ac-vfk@sbcglobal.net

www.veryfinekids.com

 

 

YO MY BOOTIES

Soft, fuzzy, and tactile hats, knitwear, booties, shoes, gift items

Designer: Kris Pettit

Size: Preemie, Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Boys 4-7

Retail: $45-$160

Standouts: The soft pastel hued fuzzy angora booties, ponchos, berets, sweaters.

FYI: Kris always made her own doll clothes and sewed her first shirt (for her doll) at the age of 5. But it all started with the tiny fuzzy angora booties, which she began knitting when she was pregnant. After giving them away to mothers at yoga mommy and me, the response was so overwhelming, she began charging for them and couldn't keep up with the demand…the rest is history. George Clooney gives the Bolivian made booties, as gifts to friends and the company has received a lot of publicity in the past year (they were featured as "cool gifts" in People Magazine's Summer 2006 issue, "Favorite Celeb Gifts Under $25"). They have subsequently tripled their sales.

Tel: 310-717-4912

E-Mail: info@yomybooties.com

www.yomybooties.com

 

 

TRIMFOOT COMPANY

Classic, traditional, and fashionable babies', children's, and dance footwear

Size: Preemie, Layette, Infant, Toddler

Standouts: The Ralph Lauren Collection's seersucker and madras plaid espadrilles, elastic back sandals, bow sandal; Baby Deer's camouflage printed faux leather strollers and canvas slip-on sneakers, the red, navy and tan distressed canvas lace up sneaker.

FYI: This long established Missouri-based company is proud to say they are "a leader in the baby shoes and dance shoes industry" and prides itself on their quality, as well as their beautiful AND sturdy packaging; its largest division, Baby Deer has been a trusted brand since 1913 and baby's comfort is their number one priority.

www.trimfootco.com

Tel: 212-947-5522

E-Mail: lmeyerinc@aol.com

www.jamesgirone.com/lynnmeyer

 

 

ELEGANT BABY

Accessories, baby accessories, baby bedding, bath accessories, gift items

Sizes: Layette, Infant

Wholesale: $9-$17.50

Standouts: The just introduced "Chocolate Collection" which consists of a 3-pc. gift set: 100% cotton pants, t-shirt, hoodie; a zip front jacket; a matching bib and burp set, a blanket, a ceramic piggy bank

FYI: the stripes are available in three color combinations: brown and pink, brown and blue, brown and green

www.elegantbaby.com

Tel: 212-239-4660

E-Mail: janisales@aol.com

www.jamesgirone.com/janismillsteinsales

 

 

THE SOCK CONNECTION

Handmade, beaded socks and hair accessories

Designer: Leslie Schumacher

Size: Infant, toddler, girls 4-6x, girls 7-14

Wholesale: $1.50-$7

Standouts: The socks decorated with beads and bows, which are a brand new product; the medium sized camouflage printed hair bow, the camouflage bow/sock combo.

FYI: They were originally called The Bow Connection and started out as a hair accessory company; they gladly say they have "the highest quality and quickest turnaround"; they are able to do custom orders and everything is hand made in people's homes in Kansas; their beads are knotted and glued so they won't come off and their motto is, "We can put a bead on anything!"

Tel: 913-402-0600

E-Mail: kcole@thesockconnection.com

www.thesockconnection.com

 

 

DUST BUNNIES

Soft, tactile, and comforting baby blankets, burp clothes, baby bedding, blankets/quilts, robes

Designer: Tristen Sullivan

Sizes: Layette, Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Boys 4-7

Wholesale: $26-$65

Standouts: The uniquely patterned and colored blanket sets and burp cloths which are available in a range of animal prints and camouflage patterns as well as solids.

FYI: Tristen's goal is to differentiate herself from the rest of the marketplace. To that end, she "tries to do different, unexpected things" (so for example: "no pastels!") and that includes the packaging. She uses only the softest, machine washable polyester and Tristen counts Kate Hudson, Melania Trump, Gwyneth Paltrow and Heidi Klum as among her loyal and satisfied customers.

Tel: 213-747-8500

E-Mail: tristen@dustbunniesbaby.com

www.dustbunniesbaby.com

 

 

SPARE CHANGE JEWELRY

The 'original' stretch jewelry

Designers: Erin Walker, Peggy Bobrow

Wholesale: $9-$28

Ages: 3 years to teens (but it's flexible)

Standouts: The new collection of 'fairy silks' with sterling silver charms (hearts, peace signs, stars, flowers); the big CZ chokers, rings, and assorted crystal charms; the stretch watch.

FYI: Spare Change is proud to say they're the original stretch jewelry company. They are constantly expanding from their very first items, which were foreign coins on a necklace; everything is made in Chicago and they sell well to France and Greece. Their best seller is the Open Heart charm in Thai sterling.

Tel: 847-784-8080

E-Mail: ewalker@sparechangejewelry.com

www.sparechangejewelry.com

 

 

KINDERWARE

Hand sewn, whimsical, and colorful baby accessories, accessories, gift items, toys

Designer: Jenny Krauss

Sizes: Newborn to 6 years

Wholesale: $6-$50

Standouts: The colorful socks, 'dot' dolls, and 'yo-yo' dolls that were traditionally made by quilters at the turn of the 20th century. They were originally clowns but Jenny is making them available in a selection of 6 different animals including a bunny, puppet, piglet and mouse.

FYI: Jenny is a sculptress by training and when she started her business, she made only plate sets. She strives to make "truly unique things that other people aren't making" and is proud that she is the "only person who puts a cute graphic written in non-skip rubber, on the bottom of a sock."

Tel: 212-777-5332

E-Mail: jenkra@aol.com

www.kinderwareonline.com

 

 

DIAPER DUDE

'Dad friendly' diaper bags, gift items, and t's

Designer: Chris Pegula

Retail: $25-$120

Standouts: The multi pocketed deluxe messenger bag; the suede messenger bag with guitar print on the front

FYI: To help dads with their parenting duties, and to ensure they don't make any mistakes, (or forget something important), the deluxe messenger bag has little pouches with identifying labels stitched on and a 'daddy's checklist' inside (14 things NOT to forget - the last one being 'The Baby'!). Chris was initially an actor, he has two sons and a daughter, and his wife is a stay-at-home mom.

Tel: 877-334-2737

E-Mail: info@diaperdudebag.com

www.diaperdude.com

 

 

JESSE WALKER

Whimsical, colorful, cozy and "environmentally correct" hand knitted baby accessories, blankets/quilts, gift items

Designer: Dale Schlauch

Sizes: Infant to size 8

Wholesale: $15-$65

Standouts: The colorful, cozy, cotton hand knit sweaters, hats and scarves; mitts on a string; happy face, ice cream, cupcake, fried egg 'lovies'; patchwork blankie, pillow, scarf.

FYI: The company is named after Dale's daughter Jesse. Dale started to knit at age 7, and began knitting baby items for her friends. She now has 30 knitters all over America (mostly retired women). She uses recycled and handspun viscose because she believes "recycled is better than organic". She sells her booties (which are designed to stay on) in 3's because one invariably gets lost (talk about smart ideas).

Tel: 303-494-7571

E-Mail: info@jessewalkerknitgoods.com

www.jessewalkerknitgoods.com

 

 

SKIP HOP

A design oriented, completely original take on nursery and home essentials ("everyday products that appeal to the eyes, heart, and minds").

Designer: Ellen Diamant in collaboration with Scott Henderson

Retail: $24-$38

Standouts: The highly visual, mod inspired trio made of heavy duty industrial strength plastic: 'Toolbox' (Diaper Caddy), 'Splash' (Bottle Drying Rack), and 'Chow' (Baby Food Organizer)'

FYI: Design oriented Ellen Diamant is a former art director and Scott Henderson's motto is that "If something makes you smile, it becomes easier to use". They hope to take parenting products "into the new age".

Tel: 212-868-9850

E-Mail: info@skiphop.com

www.skiphop.com

 

 

CONTEMPORARY HEADWEAR

Accessories, baby accessories, gift items

Designer: Chrissa Lieberman

Size: Layette, Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Girls 4-7, Preteen

Wholesale: $3-$10

Standouts: The colorful and life like flowers and butterflies; the unique displays.

FYI: Chrissa has a business degree from Northeastern University and considers herself to be "a business person who does creative stuff". She prides herself on the richness of fabrics and colors that are "not run of the mill". She is not interested in trends and does not want to be "all things to all people"; she initially began with women's hair accessories but prefers kids' because it's "more playful and not as serious".

Tel: 201-444-7945

E-Mail: chrissadarice@aol.com

www.contemporaryheadwear.com

 

 

CONFETTI & FRIENDS

An extensive line of accessories, hair accessories, gift items, blankets/quilts, camp 'stuff'

Ages: Infant, Girls 4-6X, Girls 7-14, Preteen

Designer: Laura Martin

Wholesale: $6.50

Standouts: The headbands made from stockings decorated with peace signs, hearts, and flowers.

FYI: It's a family owned, family run business and perhaps the most honest and personal testimonial about the company came from a fellow show attendee who was not shy in announcing, "This is the best company to work with!"

Tel: 631-249-8060

E-Mail: jlconfetti@aol.com

www.confettiandfriends.com

 

 

TREE BY KERRI LEE

Organic, original, and innovative accessories, baby accessories, nursery décor, room accessories, gift items (primarily made of wood)

Designers: Kerri Lee-Sensiba, Stacy Wong

Age: 3-6

Wholesale: $14-$18

Standouts: The brand new decorative and interactive music boxes which were inspired by a vintage carousel; the door knob signs with animal faces embroidered on wool felt.

FYI: The word, 'tree' is a nod to their wood products which are all handmade (and vintage inspired) in their studio, located within a century old general store building located along the Delaware River. Kerri Lee (who studied bio engineering but always loved design) loves beautiful colors and beautiful things, and is inspired by her children.

Tel: 845-887-6165

E-Mail: info@treebykerrilee.com

www.treebykerrilee.com

 

 

ANNE-CLAIRE PETIT

'Old fashioned', happy, and colorful hand crochet accessories, baby accessories, blankets/quilts, hats, infant wear, knitwear, shoes

Designer: Anne-Claire Petit

Size: Infant, Toddler

Wholesale: $8.50-$77

Standouts: The hand-crochet animals, cars, telephone (which has rattles on the end of the receiver)

FYI: Anne has a design and textile background, having been and accessories' designer for Esprit. Everything is designed in Amsterdam and hand crocheted by farmers in China. The company employs hundreds of women as knitters and they see crochet as an art form. Paris is their biggest market but now sell to Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, and ABC Carpet & Home. Some of Anne-Claire's designs will be featured in "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium", starring Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman, a movie where toys come to life, set to be released this holiday season.

Tel: 212-239-1805

E-Mail: janell@puurinc.com

www.puurinc.com

 

 

ALISSA

Better children's hair accessories

Designers: Dwaine Mattei, Alissa Mattei

Size: Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Girls 7-14, PreTeen

Standouts: The grosgrain headbands which are offered in 5 different widths including one that is 1-in. wide and available in a wide range of solids and patterns, including traditional tartans and an unusual woven geometric.

FYI: Dwaine is a psychologist by training, and she and her daughter design the collection. It is truly a 'family affair' and one 'big happy family'. Neighbors and friends work in the factory and they "hire people who become friends". It's a nurturing work environment in which everyone feels "invested".

Tel: 800-937-2697 / 570-283-1322

E-Mail: alissa@epix.net

 

 

DANTE BEATRIX

Stylish and functional utility bags, "The ultimate stroller accessory"

Designer: Dante Pauwels

Wholesale: $12-$145

Standouts: The new 'Flower Child' Collection featuring a peace sign, happy face, or heart; the durable and chic quilted nylon and leather utility bags

FYI: Dante studied product design at Stanford and once worked at Martha Stewart in product development. She originally started her business making stylish and functional utility totes for women but was constantly asked to do baby and diaper bags for moms. Everything is designed with practicality (and looking great) in mind: every detail is there for a reason: multi pockets inside and out, special clips to fasten to strollers, straps which can extend for carrying across the body.

Tel: 212-431-5860

E-Mail: dante@dantebeatrix.com

www.dantebeatrix.com

 

 

KIK-KID

3-D, quirky and colorful hats, caps and clothing for babies, toddlers, and children

Designer: Ineke Grovenstein

Sizes: 0-7

Wholesale: $11-$40

Standouts: The hats

FYI: It's all about the unbeatable combination of form and function; only natural fibers are used; the hats are designed to cover the ear, fitted to show the shape of the head, and NOT turn around or come off (unless the parent does so).

Tel: 212-239-1805

E-Mail: janell@puurinc.com

www.puurinc.com

 

 

ESTHEX

A collection of huggable, colorful and humorous dolls for kids and adults

Designer: Esther Schuivens

Ages: children through adult

Wholesale: $9-$29

Standouts: 'Molly' and 'Marie' with their elongated striped legs; Sam the Duck; Lola Rabbit

FYI: Everything is handmade of soft, 'huggable' wool felt, terrycloth, cotton, and fleece (in social workplaces in The Netherlands); Esther has an art and textile background and draws inspiration from her very own childhood drawings with their strange, naïve proportions; it's all about humor and simplicity, nostalgic yet modern, featuring lots of color and plays on texture. Some of Esther's designs will be featured also in "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium", starring Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman, a movie where toys come to life, set to be released this holiday season.

Tel: 212-239-1805

E-Mail: janell@puurinc.com

www.puurinc.com

 

 

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